Nominate local heroes for Red Cross lunch online — or visit office

Once again, the American Red Cross in Anderson County will recognize individuals who exemplify courage, kindness and unselfish character at its 14th annual Humanitarian Awards Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 19 in the Oak Ridge DoubleTree Hotel.

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By Darrell Richardson/Staff

Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

By Darrell Richardson/Staff

Posted Feb. 12, 2013 at 7:26 PM
Updated Feb 12, 2013 at 7:30 PM

By Darrell Richardson/Staff

Posted Feb. 12, 2013 at 7:26 PM
Updated Feb 12, 2013 at 7:30 PM

OAK RIDGE

Once again, the American Red Cross in Anderson County will recognize individuals who exemplify courage, kindness and unselfish character at its 14th annual Humanitarian Awards Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 19 in the Oak Ridge DoubleTree Hotel.

Scottie Mayfield of Mayfield Dairy Farms will serve as keynote speaker; past speakers include Pat Summitt, Gerald Boyd and B.B. Bell. According to information provided by the Red Cross, Mayfield spent many years leading the Boy Scouts and instilling leadership, courage and a sense of community responsibility in young men.

“It is the same principles that make the Red Cross such an important organization,” a release stated.

The Red Cross will honor local heroes from nominations submitted by the community. Categories include:

• Good Samaritan/Youth (18 years old and younger);

• Good Samaritan/Adult; and

• Red Cross Volunteer/Disaster and First Responder.

Anyone may nominate a hero/humanitarian online by visiting redcross.org/news-events and following the Anderson County luncheon link on the right side of the page. Nomination forms are also available at the local office of the American Red Cross, 908 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830; either mail back, drop off or fax completed forms to (865) 482-0258 before March 1.

Nominees must live or work in Anderson County and will be judged by a committee of civic and community leaders. Additional guidelines may be found on the nomination form, or for more information — including luncheon sponsorship opportunities — contact William.Cramer@redcross.org or call (865) 483-5642.

“This is a great opportunity to remember those who help all of us by giving their time to help their neighbor,” said Scot MacIlveen, who chairs the American Red Cross Leadership Cabinet of Anderson County. “We want to thank our heroes during Red Cross Month: Our volunteers, class takers and financial supporters who help us assist those in need.”

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country alone — providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those impacted. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families — in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than 7 million people in First Aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills each year.

• More than 4,500 people attended Red Cross Disaster Services presentations and demonstrations;

• Service to Armed Forces provided casework services for 75 members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families;

• The Red Cross offered 72 Health and Safety courses to 864 people in First Aid, CPR, AED and Water Safety; and

Page 2 of 2 - • Almost 60 Anderson County volunteers gave more than 2,500 hours for community services including disaster relief, community preparedness, information and referral, and volunteer leadership.

“Red Cross Month is a great time for people to become part of the Red Cross and there are many different ways to do it,” MacIlveen said. “They can develop a preparedness plan for their household, become a Red Cross volunteer, give blood, or take a Red Cross class — just to name a few.”

Of course, the first thing YOU can do is go online or visit the local Red Cross office to nominate a local hero and/or learn more about sponsorship opportunities regarding the March 19 Humanitarian Awards Luncheon.